For more than 240 years, folks at Old Pine Presbyterian Church have been serious about the Christian faith and how it can be lived faithfully every day. We know that the good news of Jesus Christ transforms lives, and we're eager to welcome fellow travelers along the journey of faith. Everyone is welcome at Old Pine. We don't expect a certain level of faith or knowledge before newcomers are welcomed as part of our community. We know that God welcomes us where we are, but doesn't leave us there. Instead, we journey forward in faith, learning and growing.

Visitors who come through the Old Pine doors will be greeted by a friendly, inclusive community. Once we get to know each other, the visitor may want to learn more about Christian faith, and about membership at Old Pine. Such inquiry sets one on an intentional journey at Old Pine: The Inquirers Way.

Welcome to The Inquirers Way

These Inquirers are paired with a companion, or shepherd - a member of Old Pine - who will walk with the Inquirers as they begin their exploration. The Inquirers Way is an apprenticeship in faith. There are opportunities for conversation and reflection, for learning through the Adult Forum and the annual Retreat. There are opportunities for service through volunteering at Saturday for Seniors and other outreach programs. There is opportunity to gather with other Inquirers and their Shepherds, to share a meal together and reflect on bible readings.

The Inquirers Way is a time of exploration and learning, of being open to the Holy Spirit and how God might be at work, bringing folks to a deeper faith.

Formal Preparation

As Inquirers learn more about faith, and about Old Pine, they come to a time when they are ready for more intensive learning and preparation. The first Sunday in Lent provides an opportunity for the Inquirers and their Shepherds to commit themselves to this next stage of the journey: Lenten preparation. The Old Pine congregation will also commit itself to prayer and support of the Inquirers and Shepherds.

During Lent, the Inquirers and Shepherds meet weekly to share a meal, study and learn together. This is preparation for baptism or, for those already baptized, for reaffirmation of baptism. The Christian faith is an exciting and fulfilling path. This six-week series provides time for discussion and close examination. At the end of the Lenten preparation period, Inquirers are offered the opportunity to profess their faith, be baptized, or reaffirm their baptismal covenant, and become members of Old Pine. Inquirers are then baptized, or reaffirm their baptismal covenant on Easter.

Dates

Autumn and Winter
October 19, November 26, January 18, 5-7pm, child care provided

Inquirers are identified and paired with trained Shepherds.

Inquirers and Shepherds journey together utilizing activities and opportunities at Old Pine and other venues.

There are three periodic gatherings for Inquirers and Shepherds to share a meal together and reflect on bible readings.

Lent

March 1, 2009

First Sunday in Lent, 10:30am

Inquirers and Shepherds publicly commit themselves to study and preparation for baptism or reaffirmation of the baptismal covenant and the Old Pine congregation makes a commitment of prayer and support for the Inquirers and Shepherds.

Sundays evenings in Lent

The Inquirers Way: Formal preparation and study

March 1 - April 5, Sunday Evenings

5-7pm, dinner and discussion.

Child care provided.

Easter
Easter Day, April 12, 2009 10:30am
Inquirers are baptized or reaffirm their baptismal covenant during the Festival worship celebration, and become members of Old Pine Presbyterian Church.

Following the time of Inquiry and formal preparation, the journey is not over. Baptism is only the beginning of the life of discipleship.

The Journey of Faith continues. . . . .
To learn more about or become involved in the Inquirers Way, please contact the Pastor through the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .